For most flow management operations, a flume is the perfect primary device. Flumes are available in a variety of styles, meaning you should easily be able to find an option that fits your system. Before you choose a flume, however, you’ll need to make one important decision: short throated or long throated?
Both types of flumes have their advantages, but the style that you install will depend on the nature of your operation. Following is some information to help you choose between a short-throated flume and a long-throated flume so that you can install the right device in your system.
Flume Standardization
The biggest difference between short-throated and long-throated flumes is that there is no standardization in long-throated flumes. In practical terms, this means that every flume you install with a long-throat section will have different flow equations, so you’ll need to be certain that your operators are familiar with the equations for each flume in your system. Short-throated flumes do come in standard sizes, which is their biggest benefit.
While it does make taking measurements a little more difficult, the lack of standard sizes for long-throated flumes means that you can customize your flume to fit your specific application. This ensures that your flume will fit perfectly in your channel so that you can effectively manage flow.
Which Is More Accurate?
Accuracy is the most important factor to consider when you select a flume for your flow management operation. If you want your flume to be as accurate as possible, you should pick a flume with a long throat instead of a short-throated section. Flumes with longer throats tend to be much more accurate than their short-throated counterparts.
You also need to keep in mind the risk of experiencing submergence conditions, which can decrease the accuracy of your primary device. The majority of long-throated flumes are considerably more resistant to submergence than short-throated flumes, meaning they’re the better choice if the downstream conditions in your channel are likely to cause submerged flow.
Which Should You Choose?
Now that you know a little more about these different styles of flume, it’s time to choose whether you’ll purchase a flume with a long throat or a short throat. As mentioned, the needs of your system with be the largest factor in which style of flume you choose. If you need a flume in a standard size, which is typical in industrial applications, then a flume with a shorter throat is the better option. On the other hand, if you care more about accuracy, and standardization isn’t an issue, a flume with a long throat is the best bet.
Make Your Purchase
Once you’ve decided whether to use a long-throated flume or short-throated flume, you can make your purchase with Tracom, FRP. Our focus is providing our customers with the highest quality fiberglass flume possible, and our team has the knowledge and experience necessary to help you choose the flume that’s right for you. Request a flume quote today and learn more about the Tracom line of flow management products.
